Staff photo by Fritz Busch The Gibbon Fairfax Winthrop School Board was told the new school is nearing completion at a construction update from Kraus Anderson Construction of Minneapolis Monday. The front of the new school is pictured above.

GIBBON — The Gibbon Fairfax Winthrop School Board unanimously approved proposed budget adjustments Monday estimated to save the school district $315,839.60 in fiscal year 2027.

Superintendent Al Berg said the budget adjustments created after a thorough review of district operations and staffing models, are needed to ensure long-term financial stability.

“The recommendations reflect careful consideration of financial impact and educational continuity,” he said. “Our goal is to prioritize classroom instruction while identifying efficiencies in operations and support structures.”

The adjustments include transitioning from a licensed business center staff member to a non-certified position, eliminating the high school head cook role, with adjustments to food service operations, reducing one paraprofessional and one special education teacher position, eliminating one Career & Technician Education (CTE) teacher due to class size trends and enrollment patterns, and reducing 1.5 custodian positions while exploring efficiency such as automated equipment.

Restructuring the student services coordinator role will allow 100% federal reimbursement, reducing general fund reliance while maintaining compliance with special education requirements.

Revising teaching & learning coordinator job responsibilities to align with program needs and funding requirements will ensure resource use while maintaining compliance with state and federal education standards.

Berg said school administration is directed to find a minimum of an additional $60,000 in cost reductions for board consideration prior to June 30.

Approval came on a motion by Mark Turtle, seconded by Russ Miller.

Berg said the school district hired Chad Hacker as buildings and grounds director. He said a number of former Dashir Management Services employees were hired as custodial workers by the school district.

The board unanimously approved the purchase of two 2027 Blue Bird 77-passenger Vision, diesel school buses with Cummins engines and Allison 2500 transmissions with 10-year extended engine warranty at a total cost of $295,293.16 from North Central. Two of the district’s older school buses will be considered as trade-ins.

“What really makes me happy is the bus purchases are made possible through one-time funds including proceeds from our Gibbon Elementary auction, energy efficiency rebates and our general operating funds,” Berg said.

Kraus Anderson Construction Executive Jason Rentmeester said the school performing arts center and final sod planting is planned to be complete by the end of May.

“You have a one-year workmanship warranty,” he said. “We’ll have a walk through with a project punch list.”

The board unanimously approved submission of a capital levy to the Minnesota Department of Education for review and comment. The proposed levy is expected to generate about $400,000 in taxes payable in 2027 which would be the first year of a ten-year authorization.

The preliminary tax impact if 1.53% showed an estimated $22 annual tax increase on a residential homestead valued at $175,000.

Board members said the levy was needed due to an increasing number of unfunded mandates. The referendum is scheduled for Nov. 3.